Waterloo closing in on promotion target

WATERLOO travel to Macclesfield in National League Three North tomorrow in search of the points which will take them one step nearer promotion, but without prop forward Alan Davies, who has retired from the game because of a facial injury.

WATERLOO travel to Macclesfield in National League Three North tomorrow in search of the points which will take them one step nearer promotion, but without prop forward Alan Davies, who has retired from the game because of a facial injury.

The side are still unbeaten in the league and are odds-on to close the gap on leaders Halifax after thrashing Macclesfield 68-13 at Blundellsands earlier in the season.

But the visitors are without Dave Giles (facial injury), so Chris Tyms continues at hooker with youngster Sean Gibney still on the bench.

Liverpool St Helens are also on their travels in Third North, visiting Blaydon in the hope of recording a second win of the year following last weekend's 57-28 Lancashire Cup win at Rochdale.

Danny Collins is recalled at full back, 156-point Simon Worsley switches to stand-off and South Africans Jan Lourens and Shaun Ruwers join Jon Hitchen, Tim Hewlett and Jon Nugent in the pack.

Orrell are virtually assured of the runners-up spot in Division One behind Worcester and can consolidate that position with victory at Coventry.

West Park host North One bottom side Huddersfield but are without nine senior squad members although Phil Lawrenson is set to feature.

There's all to play for in Cheshire/South Lancashire Division One, with Widnes needing victory over Wilmslow to put themselves in pole position for the title, with only games against second-bottom Anselmians and lowly Northwich standing in their way of the championship.

They will be at full strength with Alan Glover at centre and Matt Riley switching to full back in place of Dave Welsh who has changed codes to sign for the Widnes Academy side.